S Dinajpur traffic cops to take stern action against rule flouters

In a bid to minimise road accidents, the South Dinajpur Traffic police have decided to come down heavily on motorists using mobile phones or driving in an inebriated condition.

One of the actions being taken is to recommend suspension of driving licenses (DL) of offenders.

The traffic police have recommended suspension of many DLs of first-time offenders. Of the total number, 63 were caught using mobile phones while on the wheel, 42 were found drunk while driving, 17 were caught riding on the footpaths and 14 were penalised for reckless driving.

A traffic police officer said that the use of Bluetooth headset or earphones to talk on mobile phones while driving may also be considered for suspension if the driver causes inconvenience to other commuters.

Explaining the procedure of the suspension, a senior traffic police officer said that the offender concerned will have to pay a spot fine or pay the penalty in the court and get his vehicle released.

The Balurghat traffic guard recently have been equipped with two alcohol detector machine. “We are checking vehicles on the streets. If we find such offenders, Rs 2000 fine will be imposed,” said said Soumojit Barua, DSP (headquarter).

“It will ensure safety to the people of South Dinajpur. The errant drunk drivers mowed down many in the road especially during the festivals. We were expecting a strong action against those errant drivers. We will expect that police arrest them there,” said a local resident.